Dick Padgett passed away

[FZ[_2_]]

Our dear friend Dick Padgett passed away last night, June 22. Dick was a war hero as a B-17 pilot in WWII, and in civilian life loved to fly, teach and tow. He represented many of the great things we love about aviation - professionalism, joy, sharing, teaching and making everyone feel that they could be part of a great adventure. Dick loved Wurtsboro Airport, and Wurtsboro Airport loved him. He will be sorely missed.

[Joel Flamenbaum[_2_]]

On Sunday, June 23, 2019 at 6:18:41 PM UTC-7, FZ wrote:
> Our dear friend Dick Padgett passed away last night, June 22. Dick was a war hero as a B-17 pilot in WWII, and in civilian life loved to fly, teach and tow. He represented many of the great things we love about aviation - professionalism, joy, sharing, teaching and making everyone feel that they could be part of a great adventure. Dick loved Wurtsboro Airport, and Wurtsboro Airport loved him. He will be sorely missed.

God Speed Dick you earned your wings

[Michael Opitz]

At 01:18 24 June 2019, FZ wrote:
>Our dear friend Dick Padgett passed away last night, June 22. Dick
was a
>wa=
>r hero as a B-17 pilot in WWII, and in civilian life loved to fly, teach
>an=
>d tow. He represented many of the great things we love about
aviation -
>pro=
>fessionalism, joy, sharing, teaching and making everyone feel that
they
>cou=
>ld be part of a great adventure. Dick loved Wurtsboro Airport, and
>Wurtsbor=
>o Airport loved him. He will be sorely missed.
>

RIP, Dick... He certainly was a character, and was one of the very
few remaining 1960's Wurtsboro old timers to still be there and
active. There are others that are still alive, but they have spread
out to the four winds. For over 50 years, you could always count
on Dick being there at Wurtsboro.......good memories...

RO

[Charlie M. (UH & 002 owner/pilot)]

Sorry to hear this, I have dealt with hm for decades (usually a tow so I could get back to my field). Last I saw hm was their contest last year. He was recovering from health issues but stopped by the airport one day.

Condolences to those that knew him better than I.

[[email protected]]

On Sunday, June 23, 2019 at 9:18:41 PM UTC-4, FZ wrote:
> Our dear friend Dick Padgett passed away last night, June 22. Dick was a war hero as a B-17 pilot in WWII, and in civilian life loved to fly, teach and tow. He represented many of the great things we love about aviation - professionalism, joy, sharing, teaching and making everyone feel that they could be part of a great adventure. Dick loved Wurtsboro Airport, and Wurtsboro Airport loved him. He will be sorely missed.

A "grumpy old guy" with a heart of gold. He loved us and we loved him.
Wishing you blue skies and tailwinds my friend.
UH

[rudolph stutzmann]

Many fond memories of him and his stories when I was flying learning to fly at Wurtsboro as a teenager, a great asset to the sport of aviation.
Is there any information about services for him?

[Tony[_5_]]

I've only had one flight at Wurtsboro but Dick gave me a tow. I knew then that he was a living legend. Godspeed.

[FZ[_2_]]

Please watch this short clip. It was made 10 years ago.

https://vimeo.com/7070015?fbclid=IwAR3nOy8HGjWaf9CkC5gbYbvurY_kWjWZ_ shOK8S3key6RUfEAOvTpBd5IXw

[Jonathan St. Cloud]

On Monday, June 24, 2019 at 10:25:21 PM UTC-7, FZ wrote:
> Please watch this short clip. It was made 10 years ago.
>
> https://vimeo.com/7070015?fbclid=IwAR3nOy8HGjWaf9CkC5gbYbvurY_kWjWZ_ shOK8S3key6RUfEAOvTpBd5IXw

Thank you Dick and thank you FZ for sharing.

[Dan Marotta]

Uplifting story.Â* Sad to see it end.

On 6/25/2019 7:43 AM, Jonathan St. Cloud wrote:
> On Monday, June 24, 2019 at 10:25:21 PM UTC-7, FZ wrote:
>> Please watch this short clip. It was made 10 years ago.
>>
>> https://vimeo.com/7070015?fbclid=IwAR3nOy8HGjWaf9CkC5gbYbvurY_kWjWZ_ shOK8S3key6RUfEAOvTpBd5IXw
> Thank you Dick and thank you FZ for sharing.

--
Dan, 5J

[[email protected]]

Great video ! I remember Dick & his wife Eva from flying at Wurtsboro in the 1970s & 1980s. They were wonderful people, always a kind word & Dick was always there for you with advice or a complement. Dick, you will truly be missed.

[Whiskey Charlie]

It truly is hard to imagine Wurtsboro Airport without Dick Padgett. He was a constant, dedicated and reliable pilot and a good friend. I'm grateful for all the time I got to spend with him over the years.
Thanks for all the tows and support, my friend. I miss you.

Dick kept towing every day until he was almost 92 years old. Here is a great video of "just another day at work" for Dick the summer he was 90:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S_p-hna0KAk

-WC

[PAGA (XA^686)]

RIP Dick, we will miss you, always.

Pierre